Dubai to introduce new hotel classification system

The Dubai government has launched a new classification system to highlight the uniqueness of hotels and demarcate standards at the most luxurious resorts.

Under changes to be brought in at the end of the year, hotels will continue to be rated on the scale of one to five stars, but will also be placed in new, specific categories including business, beach, desert and heritage.

In addition, five-star hotels will be split into three separate categories - Platinum, Gold and Silver - to highlight the elite services on offer in the emirate.

The new system was outlined at the Arabian Travel Market by Majid Al Marri of Dubai's tourism department.

He said the classifications were designed to enhance accommodation service levels and facilitate the selection of hotels suitable to every category of visitor and travel agency.

Dubai's tourism department has predicted there will be a seven per cent increase in new hotels and hotel apartments in Dubai this year.